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Introducing Portugal

Portugal Travel Guide

A sun-soaked land on the Iberian Peninsula with plenty to offer
to both short- and long-term visitors, Portugal's greatest
attraction is its gorgeous coastline. The southern region of the
Algarve is a firm favourite, where an array of top-class beach
resorts, once sleepy fishing villages, provide luxurious oceanside
accommodation.

The region's fine, year-round climate and ease of access mean
that it is a hugely popular winter sun vacation destination.
Additionally, there are several low-cost European carriers that
provide direct cheap flights to the Algarve. It also serves well as
the perfect place for a weekend getaway when the daily grind of
city life becomes too much. Seaside towns like Albufeira and Lagos
are home to some of the best beach resorts in the Algarve,
providing a heady mixture of sheltered beaches, outstanding natural
scenery and high-quality lodgings.

There is far more to Portugal than its beaches, however. As
anyone who has ever set foot in Lisbon's historic Alfama district, or travelled
to the medieval town of Évora will tell you, the country is
home to some breathtaking architecture and cultural treasures.
Notable tourist sights in Lisbon include the Jerónimos
Monastery and its Manueline architecture, the iconic Monument to
the Discoveries, and the most-photographed building in all of
Portugal, the Tower of
Belém.

This geographically varied country also offers skiing
opportunities at the Vodafone Ski Resort in the Serra Estrela
Mountains. This craggy, forested mountain range is also a great
area for walking and hiking trails, and is the place to go for
those craving the pampering of a spa resort holiday in
Portugal.

Best time to visit Portugal

Portugal has a typically Mediterranean climate, characterised by
hot, dry summers, and cool, wet winters. The southern coastal
region of the Algarve is more temperate than inland regions. The
best time to visit Portugal is during spring and autumn, when the
weather is warm and fine, and there aren't too many tourists
around. However, summer is the high season, and is probably when
the ocean is at its most appealing. During winter, airfares and
accommodation prices are much lower, serving as a bonus for
budget-conscious travellers.

What to do in Portugal

-Fly directly to the Algarve, and waste no time staking your spot on
one of the region's magnificent sandy beaches.

-Jump on Electrico 28 and
enjoy a historic tram ride through Lisbon's most interesting
neighbourhoods.

-Take a winter sun vacation to Loule and join in the colourful
Carnaval celebrations.

-Take to the streets of Lisbon's Alfama area after dark, and enjoy some local
cuisine and live music at one of the city's famous Fado bars.

Holiday resorts in Portugal

Portugal has a number of popular resorts for sun-seekers looking
for the perfect beach holiday. Ranging from lively nightlife scenes
to secluded and remote beaches, party central to family-friendly
activities, there is a place for everyone in Portugal.

Getting to Portugal

Flights to Portugal are available from a wide range of airports
in the UK and USA. Several low-cost European carriers offer direct,
cheap flights to the Algarve region's Faro Airport from UK
destinations, while from the USA it is possible to find direct
cheap flights to Lisbon or the Azores. Connections within Portugal
are plentiful and affordable.

Read

Baltasar and Blimunda by Jose Saramago and The Last
Kabbalistof Lisbon by Richard Zimler.

Watch

Belle Epoque (1992) and Lisbon Story (1994).

Eat

Piri-piri chicken (especially from Guia), and salted cod
(bacalhau).

Drink

Red wine, port from Porto, and try the regional speciality
vinho verde, a very crisp green wine that goes excellently
with fish and seafood dishes.

What to buy

Fado music CDs, iconic dolls from the Nazare region, and local
Portuguese fashion, which, although not widely known, is often chic
and trendy.

What to pack

Pack plenty of sunscreen for a holiday in Portugal, as well as
some after-sun lotion, which can soothe the worst effects of
spending too much time out on the beach.

What's on in Portugal

Carnaval
(February) is a festive, colourful celebration that draws thousands
of visitors each year. The well-attended Estoril Open (April to
May) is one of the highlights of the international clay court
tennis circuit. Classical music enthusiasts will delight in the
Great Orchestras of the
World concert series (November to April), held in Lisbon's
famed hall, the Coliseu dos Recreios.

Navigation

Introducing Portugal

Portugal Travel Guide

A sun-soaked land on the Iberian Peninsula with plenty to offer
to both short- and long-term visitors, Portugal's greatest
attraction is its gorgeous coastline. The southern region of the
Algarve is a firm favourite, where an array of top-class beach
resorts, once sleepy fishing villages, provide luxurious oceanside
accommodation.

The region's fine, year-round climate and ease of access mean
that it is a hugely popular winter sun vacation destination.
Additionally, there are several low-cost European carriers that
provide direct cheap flights to the Algarve. It also serves well as
the perfect place for a weekend getaway when the daily grind of
city life becomes too much. Seaside towns like Albufeira and Lagos
are home to some of the best beach resorts in the Algarve,
providing a heady mixture of sheltered beaches, outstanding natural
scenery and high-quality lodgings.

There is far more to Portugal than its beaches, however. As
anyone who has ever set foot in Lisbon's historic Alfama district, or travelled
to the medieval town of Évora will tell you, the country is
home to some breathtaking architecture and cultural treasures.
Notable tourist sights in Lisbon include the Jerónimos
Monastery and its Manueline architecture, the iconic Monument to
the Discoveries, and the most-photographed building in all of
Portugal, the Tower of
Belém.

This geographically varied country also offers skiing
opportunities at the Vodafone Ski Resort in the Serra Estrela
Mountains. This craggy, forested mountain range is also a great
area for walking and hiking trails, and is the place to go for
those craving the pampering of a spa resort holiday in
Portugal.

Best time to visit Portugal

Portugal has a typically Mediterranean climate, characterised by
hot, dry summers, and cool, wet winters. The southern coastal
region of the Algarve is more temperate than inland regions. The
best time to visit Portugal is during spring and autumn, when the
weather is warm and fine, and there aren't too many tourists
around. However, summer is the high season, and is probably when
the ocean is at its most appealing. During winter, airfares and
accommodation prices are much lower, serving as a bonus for
budget-conscious travellers.

What to do in Portugal

-Fly directly to the Algarve, and waste no time staking your spot on
one of the region's magnificent sandy beaches.

-Jump on Electrico 28 and
enjoy a historic tram ride through Lisbon's most interesting
neighbourhoods.

-Take a winter sun vacation to Loule and join in the colourful
Carnaval celebrations.

-Take to the streets of Lisbon's Alfama area after dark, and enjoy some local
cuisine and live music at one of the city's famous Fado bars.

Holiday resorts in Portugal

Portugal has a number of popular resorts for sun-seekers looking
for the perfect beach holiday. Ranging from lively nightlife scenes
to secluded and remote beaches, party central to family-friendly
activities, there is a place for everyone in Portugal.

Getting to Portugal

Flights to Portugal are available from a wide range of airports
in the UK and USA. Several low-cost European carriers offer direct,
cheap flights to the Algarve region's Faro Airport from UK
destinations, while from the USA it is possible to find direct
cheap flights to Lisbon or the Azores. Connections within Portugal
are plentiful and affordable.

Read

Baltasar and Blimunda by Jose Saramago and The Last
Kabbalistof Lisbon by Richard Zimler.

Watch

Belle Epoque (1992) and Lisbon Story (1994).

Eat

Piri-piri chicken (especially from Guia), and salted cod
(bacalhau).

Drink

Red wine, port from Porto, and try the regional speciality
vinho verde, a very crisp green wine that goes excellently
with fish and seafood dishes.

What to buy

Fado music CDs, iconic dolls from the Nazare region, and local
Portuguese fashion, which, although not widely known, is often chic
and trendy.

What to pack

Pack plenty of sunscreen for a holiday in Portugal, as well as
some after-sun lotion, which can soothe the worst effects of
spending too much time out on the beach.

What's on in Portugal

Carnaval
(February) is a festive, colourful celebration that draws thousands
of visitors each year. The well-attended Estoril Open (April to
May) is one of the highlights of the international clay court
tennis circuit. Classical music enthusiasts will delight in the
Great Orchestras of the
World concert series (November to April), held in Lisbon's
famed hall, the Coliseu dos Recreios.